Two police officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct following the case of Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed and arrested as he lay dying, the police watchdog has said.

Nowak, 18, was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa with a large blade in December 2025, which he said he carried on grounds of his Sikh faith. He then lied to police at the scene, falsely claiming he was the victim of a racist attack.

Digwa was jailed for life in June, with a minimum term of 21 years.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said evidence suggested the two officers who arrived first may have breached professional standards.

The IOPC said the investigation relates to potential failures by the officers to recognise Henry Nowak needed urgent medical help and the decision to arrest and handcuff him rather than provide first aid.

The watchdog added: “There’s also an indication one of the officers may have breached the standard relating to authority, respect and courtesy, for appearing to dismiss Henry saying he had been stabbed.”

The BBC revealed last week it took officers eight minutes to discover Henry’s fatal stab wound, after arriving at the scene.

It said Henry’s family, who come from Chafford Hundred in Essex, had been told of its decision.